Growing up in a very rural town in Idaho, guns were a big part of my life. They were everywhere in my little town and we all respected and embraced them.

Moving to Billings last year was a very refreshing experience to the way I grew up.

In my opinion, guns shouldn't control people but protect them. Too often, we hear about school shootings, gang shootings, robberies, terrorist attacks and home invasions. So many of these situations would have different outcomes if we were simply an armed society and had knowledge and bravery to handle unsuspecting events.

My wife pointed this story out to me where they are taking various weapons into a school in Colorado not to hurt or scare the children, but rather to educate them. Education means so much. I personally love this idea.

Hunter education is one thing. Self-defense education is another. Hiding under a desk waiting for your attacker to kill you is not self-defense.

I am not saying give kids guns. I think that would be a very bad idea. I am simply saying, educate them on how to use them appropriately and how to protect themselves from harm.

Respect and education could saves lives.

What do you think?

More From Mix 97.1